Transcript Alternative Medicine

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE
What is Alternative Medicine?
What is Alternative Medicine
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A variety of therapeutic or preventative health care
practises:
This includes:
- Homeopathy
- Naturopathy
- Chiropractic
- Herbal Medicine
What is Homeopathy?
What is Homeopathy?
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A system of alternative medicine, based on the
doctrine of “similia similibus curentur” which means
“like cures like”.
Using fire to fight fire
Therefore a substance that causes the symptoms of
a disease in healthy people, will sure similar
symptoms in sick people
Homeopathy History
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Hippocrates was believed
to be the originator of
homeopathy.
He prescribed mandrake
root, which in larger
doses produces mania, to
cure mania
Homeopathy Treatment
1. Identify the symptoms
2. Find remedy associated with symptom in question
3. Use a highly diluted form of a substance (diluted in
water or alcohol) which causes the symptoms
(mandrake root) to cure the problem condition/
disease
What do similar principles apply to?
Potential Problems?
What is Naturopathy?
Naturopathy
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A form of alternative
medicine that favors a
more holistic approach
with non-invasive
treatment (surgery and
drugs)
Focuses on social,
physical, and spiritual
healing
Examples
Examples
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Acupuncture
Applied Kinesiology
Colonic enemas
Nutrition
Fasting
Meditation
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Future of Naturopathy
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Becoming increasingly recognized and practised
In some countries/provinces, Naturopaths are finally
recognized
Potential Problems
Chiropractic
Chiropractic
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A form of alternative
medicine focused on the
diagnosis, treatment and
prevention of disorders
of the
neuromusculoskeletal
system
Procedures
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Procedures include:
-
Spinal manipulation
Applied Kinesiology
Relaxation and stress reduction techniques
Disease prevention/screening
Accreditation
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Qualified Chiropractors practice this style of
medicine
Extremely competitive program
Highly respected
Possible issues?
Herbal Medicine
Herbal Medicine
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The study and use of the medicinal properties of
plants for medicinal means
Herbal Medicine
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Been around for thousands of years
Many ancient civilizations have had surviving
writings documenting medicinal properties of many
types of plants.
Use of herbs to treat disease is almost universal
among non-industrilized societies
Herbal Medicine
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Estimated that roughly ½ of Americans use some
sort of herbal medicine/ supplement
Popularity has been increased greatly from trying
to find compounds in plants to treat various
diseases.
25% of modern drugs have natural origins
Examples
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Bearberry: The leaves are mixed with tobacco and smoked
during ceremonies. The stems and leaves were boiled to treat
diarrhoea, and the plant is also used to treat kidney infections.
Common Hop: Hops have a long history of inducing sleep and
Europeans put the seed cones in their pillows for that reason.
American Indians also believed in their tranquilizing properties.
Other Examples
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Spices: Studies show that in tropical climates where
pathogens are the most abundant, recipes are the
most highly spiced. Further, the spices with the most
potent antimicrobial activity tend to be selected
Potential Problems
Scientific view on topic
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDBkeYSxPtY